Advisor - Water Resources Resilience - 31494

The Environment Agency is fully committed to fostering an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek, embrace, and live diversity for the benefit of our staff, communities, and environment.

It’s an exciting time to be involved in planning England’s water resources. Our water supply faces ongoing pressure due to drought and dry weather, with England experiencing its driest start to the year since 1976. We have recently published the National Framework for Water Resources to secure our future water supply. Your role will be crucial to its success.

First released in March 2020, the framework pioneered planning for resilient water resources amid climate change, droughts, and population growth, alongside environmental enhancement. The 2025 update builds on these achievements, emphasizing integrated, multi-sector planning at national, regional, and local levels.

Your responsibilities will include supporting activities to deliver and implement this framework, working closely with internal and external stakeholders such as Defra, regulators, Water Companies, and sectors like energy and agriculture.

The Team

You will join the Water Resources Resilience team, which leads the National Framework and collaborates across water-using sectors to improve resilience. We are part of the Environment and Business Directorate, which influences policy, legislation, and delivery to achieve environmental objectives.

Experience and Skills

We welcome applications from candidates with a good understanding of water resources, but this role also offers learning opportunities for those outside the field. Key qualities include:

• Project and programme management skills
• Experience in environmental regulation and planning related to water resources, licensing, or sustainable abstraction
• Experience reviewing statutory plans
• Ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships
• A proven track record of achieving results

As a dispersed team, self-initiative and effective communication are essential. We offer development opportunities and training.

Additional Information

This is a fixed-term role until 31 March 2026. The role is flexible/hybrid with an EA Office base. Some travel and overnight stays may be required. Please review the Candidate/Additional Information Pack and contact WRNationalFramework@environment-agency.gov.uk for queries.

Applications are assessed based on competency questions, and interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.

Contract Details

Until 31/03/2026

Competencies

Achieves Results: Describe a significant achievement in your current/last role, including feedback, learning points, and future improvements.

Influences and Persuades Others: Provide an example of persuading someone to your point of view, challenges faced, and outcomes.

Takes Decisions and Solves Problems: Share an instance of making a quick decision, key factors, and lessons learned. Reflect on whether you would approach it differently next time.

Note: The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant if appointed. For those in local government or similar, contact your HR for continuous service details. We support flexible working and have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for candidates with disabilities.

Job Details

• Seniority Level: Associate
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Job Function: Engineering and IT